Manchester City's Alvaro Negredo aims to live up to 'Beast' nickname and put bite on the Prem

"I think I am a strong player, who can fight and be physical" says £16.5million striker in first interview since move to Blues

Beauty and The Beast: Negredo's all-round game has brought him to Eastlands (Photo: Robert Cianflone)

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Alvaro Negredo is ready to unleash the beast on the Premier League.

Manchester City’s new £16.5million striker turned down the chance to join ­Atletico Madrid, as he believes his blend of technique and tenacity is perfect for the team being created by Manuel Pellegrini at deposed champions City .

Negredo, nicknamed the Beast of Vallecas in honour of the working-class district of Madrid where he was born, looked far from menacing as he coached a group of kids in Hong Kong during the week.

But, at the age of 27, he is at the very top of his game – and, in his first interview since joining City , he made it clear that he intends to make the most of this opportunity.

“It makes me laugh when they call me the Beast,” said Negredo.

“But, yes, I think I am a strong player, who can fight and be physical.

“I think I have some qualities that will suit the Premier League. I think my style suits the game in England, but I also like to believe that I have good technical ability as well.

“It was my team-mates who first started calling me the Beast of Vallecas. But it became so popular that the media in Spain also started to use the nickname as well.

“I think I can be both the physical and technical. There are some matches where the physical approach is important and other games where you can show off your skill.

“I like to think I am a player with many qualities. I have a strong all-round game. I am not just a goalscorer, I think I also work hard for the team and play my part in the game.”